Rambling Friday: Fallen Leaves and Smoky Skies

I love Autumn!

It's a beautiful season,

but... 

God says...

There's a time for everything.

and a reason.

No matter the season of our lives,

God is in control. 

We trust and believe

that He will work 

everything out according to His will

for our lives. 

Ecclesiastes says in Chapter 3:

To everything, there is a season,

and a time to every purpose under the heaven.

Hang on. God's got this! 

Serious Wednesday: There is a Season...

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says:

To everything, there is a season, 

and a time to every purpose

under the heavens.

There is a Season to Write, all right. And there's a season to not write (sometimes).

I know, I know. Some writers don't have slumps or bumps or maybe it's just they're more focused on

handling burdens and problems in their lives.

But I'm not talking about those people. I'm talking about those who don't handle writing and other obligations coinciding, very well. I'm talking about me during those times. How to get through it all.

Since I began my writing journey (what I mean is, seriously because I've written all my life), and becoming an actual published author, I've written at least one, sometimes more novels a year. So when 2019 popped up, and I found myself unable to write, to barely get through one scene before reaching another "block," I knew something had to give.

I struggled for three quarters of the year, setting writing goals and failing at achieving them. I struggled with creating plots, knowing where to go from one scene to another, to even write!

It was only in the autumn of 2019 that I finally gave up. Meaning, I knew it wasn't going to happen, for me, that year. And I realized what my body, mind, and probably God was trying to tell me: I needed to REST!

So...when 2020 entered, I was ready! Excited and determined to begin writing again. My hopes were high, my purpose was exact on what I needed to do, and I began. So far, for this year, I should have completed the first draft, and probably some edits of one of the books I wanted to finish. All going well, it should be in the hands of my editor by the first part of April, and I get to begin on another novel, I'm hoping to complete this year.

What am I saying?

• Recognize and accept, as I had to finally do, that sometimes (not always!) your body and mind need a rest, a period of relaxing, reviving and renewing. 
• Your time of rest may be a period that is different than another person's. Just because I needed a year, doesn't mean YOU need that. It may be a few days, weeks, months or even longer than a year, but your body and mind will tell you what you need. Accept it!
• Don't be idle! You might be able to do some interesting research or take a prospective trip with time to take notes and pictures that can possibly be used at another time. Or you might need to work on other neglected projects or family and friends as a total rest from writing. It could be problems, illness, and burdens that need to be taken care of before you can focus again on your writing. Whatever, whichever it is, don't beat yourself up over it. Because...

• When you pick up your pen (or open your laptop) again, I suspect your fingers and mind will be geared up to write once again. New ideas, fresh inspiration, and a fiery determination will light up the days to fulfill and succeed where you stumbled before.

Embrace the rest period! You'll be glad you did!

Here's to a new and revived writing spirit!

Serious Wednesdays: When It's Time to Stop Writing

Pressured with too much to do has been my overall emotion this year. A good year, yes! But
when writing seems to be wearing instead of fun and satisfying, then something is wrong. 

• I've known it's hindered my writing. Blocks, instead of a steady inspiration to write. 
• Concentration shot when I should be able to do better at tracking my plots.
• Lackadaisical approach instead of a steady work habit of hitting the keyboard.

The pressure was getting to me. But what to do?

Some of my problem was my inflexibility. I like to have a plan and stick to it. If I want to have a book done in a certain time, I hate when I miss my self-appointed deadline. I should be able to go at break-neck speed regardless of how much is on my plate.

But I can't always do that. 

So...last week, I made a gradual decision, and by that I mean, it didn't come at me all at once. I made one decision that led to another, and finally the realization of the complete plan. 

I feel the pressure easing just a little.

So...when the pressure gets to be too much--STOP!

If that means taking a short hiatus in your writing, whether an hour or a week or months, do it. 

• Breathe. Focus on stretching, Pull in those deep breaths and release them slowly. Walk around the house or outside and take in the sight. Allow your mind to empty of what needs to be done and think on your blessings.
• Do something fun! Read a new book, or one you've been planning to forever. Pick up that hobby you've ignored. Make a fun date with your hubby, wife or friend and refuse to talk about your writing. Take some pictures.
• Play music you love. Shut your eyes, Think of the words or just listen to the sound. 
• Do some volunteer work. Visit your grandkids. Take a short trip. Do some shopping. 
• Finish a project. Paint that wall. Refinish that desk. Catch up on your scrapbooking. 

Whatever you can do to relax and replenish your body and soul, do it! However long it takes, do it!

You'll feel much more energized and enthused once you know it's time to get back to work--writing!

What's your go-to thing to revive your spirits?

Here's to A New Writing YOU!

On Passionate Writing: Don't Waste Time

In just two days,

tomorrow

will be

Yesterday!

Remember the old adage:

Now is the day of redemption.
Work for the night is coming.
What is done, must be done today.

Don't waste your time.
Spend it wisely.

Blessings!

Perspectives

To realize

The value of a sister/brother

Ask someone

Who doesn't have one.

To realize

The value of ten years:

Ask a newly

Divorced couple.

To realize

The value of four years:

Ask a graduate.

To realize

The value of one year:

Ask a student who

Has failed a final exam.

To realize
 The value of nine months:

Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.

To realize

The value of one month:

Ask a mother

Who has given birth to
A premature baby.

To realize

The value of one week:

Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realize

The value of one minute:

Ask a person

Who has missed the train, bus or plane.

To realize

The value of one second:

Ask a person

Who has survived an accident.

Time waits for no one.
Treasure every moment you have.

You will treasure it even more when you can share it with someone special.



To realize  The value of a friend or family member: LOSE ONE.


Blessings!

Sunday Mornng Peace

There is a time . . .

for every purpose under heaven . . .

to be born

to die

to plant

to pluck up the planted

to kill

to heal

to break down

to build up

to weep

to laugh

to mourn

to dance

to cast away
to gather

to refrain from hugs

to get

to lose

to keep

to cast away

to love

to hate

a time of war

of peace

He has made everything beautiful in his time.

Blessings!

The Value of . . . Time

We're entering the rush season.

• Merchants push us
• Peers challenge us to do as they do, whether spending, decorating, or socializing
• Our conscience prods us: be involved, do your duty, show your love
• Spend time with kids, parents, family, friends, and church people

Go, do, be.

Whatever you decide to do this season, remember that time is valuable. Once gone, it never returns. Plan wisely, follow your conscience and God's will for YOU. Ignore the pressure of the season. Pick and choose. Enjoy the peace. Savor the quiet. Worship, laugh, love, and live.

1. Time is money. We have no right to waste it.
2. Time is power. We have no right ot dissipate it.
3. Time is influence. We have no right to throw it away.
4. Time is life. We must value it highly.
5. Time is God's. He has given it to us for a purpose.
6. Time is a sacred trust. we must answer for every moment.
7. Time is preparation for eternity. We must redeem it.

Quote:
Got no checks, got no banks. still I'd like to express my thanks. I got the sun in the mornin' and the moon at night. --Irving Berlin

Blessings!

Five Minutes

What can I do in five minutes?

• Make a list (Yeah, well, I had to start with something . . .).
• Give each of my pets a pat on the head (important!).
• Walk down my driveway and back (long and hilly).

• Create a delicious sandwich (providing the ingredients are in the frig).
• Talk on the phone (that's about as long as my interest lasts. Sorry, I'm no phone-body).
• Read the directions for something technical (if I don't get it by then, I run screaming for help. Directions has to be the most boring material in the universe!)

• Warm the car in winter (Sometimes it takes longer, but we won't go there.)
• Read an email, letter, or something else nice ('cause I read it over and over to get the depth of it . . . you know?)
• Write two thank you notes (how many does that make this week? Sigh.)

• Get dressed when in a hurry! (I mean, when we're running into town for a quick bite).
• Open car door, collect gear, walk to office, open office door, walk to office, turn on light, turn on computer . . . (It's gotta be done!)
• Clean toilet (dump in cleaning solvent, grab brush, swirl water with a little pressure, flush toilet, grab rag, apply cleaning solution, wipe down outside. (NOT my favorite job, but not as bad as some things).

• Open Bible, choose verse, meditate (if I let it, it will influence my whole day!).
• Quick prayer to make a choice, find an answer, strength (works).
• Call two people and wish them a good day. (Anyone on the phone calling me? Smile.)

Wacky hints you'd never think of:

1. Outdoor eating? Place a chewed piece of mint flavored gum on your paper plate to discourage flies.
2. Soothe insect bites with Alka-Seltzer.
3. Shave with Reddi-wip.
4. Style hair with Jell-O.
5. Clean toilet bowls with Coca-Cola.
6. Remove dead skin with Miracle Whip.

Another interesting tidbit about upcoming Interviewee Teresa Slack
(next week, Friday, June 8):
She's never started a book that she's not finished!
Wow!

Quote:
When we recall the past, we usually find that it is the simplest things--not the great occasions--that in retrospect give off the greatest glow of happiness. -- Bob Hope


Blessings.